Occupant protection device

ABSTRACT

A system for protecting an occupant positioned in a seat of a vehicle. The system includes a gas emitting device positioned adjacent to an occupant of a vehicle. The system also may include a controller configured to control the activation of the gas emitting device. A sensor configured to detect the vertical acceleration of the vehicle, may be included. The controller may be configured to receive a signal from the sensor and activate the gas emitting device when the signal from the sensor is indicative of a condition where the vertical acceleration of the vehicle exceeds a predetermined threshold. When activated, the gas emitting device may be configured to emit gas toward the legs of the occupant so that the force of the emitted gas directly forces the legs of the occupant to move.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/636,383, filed Apr. 20, 2012. The foregoingprovisional patent application is incorporated herein by reference inits entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present application relates generally to the field of devicesconfigured to protect an occupant of a vehicle. More specifically, thepresent application relates to an occupant protection device configuredfor use in armored vehicles, including military vehicles.

Conventional restraint systems are used to restrain an occupant, forexample, a vehicle occupant, within a vehicle seat during normaloperation of the vehicle, and also during vehicle emergencies, such as avehicle collision. In order to provide further protection to a vehicleoccupant, conventional restraint systems may be designed to absorb someof the force that is generated from a collision. For example, arestraint system may include various devices such as pretensioners andseat belt webbing to absorb force generated during a collision.

Current safety systems do not detect significant vertical acceleration.Nor do these systems adequately protect an occupant from extremevertical acceleration (such as, for example, caused by a detonation ofan explosive device under a vehicle). Nor do these systems protect anoccupant from typical events that follow as an effect of an extremevertical acceleration. It would be advantageous to provide an improvedoccupant protection system that addresses one or more of theaforementioned issues.

SUMMARY

According to an embodiment disclosed herein a system for protecting anoccupant positioned in a seat of a vehicle is provided. The systemincludes a gas emitting device positioned adjacent to an occupant of avehicle, a controller configured to control the activation of the gasemitting device. The gas emitting device is configured to emit gastoward a portion of the occupant so that the force of the emitted gasdirectly forces the portion of the occupant to move. The system may alsoinclude a sensor for detecting a vertical acceleration of the vehicle.The controller may be configured to activate the gas emitting devicewhen the vertical acceleration exceeds a predetermined threshold.

The gas emitting device may be located under the seat and may include agas directing device that directs the emitted gas toward the legs of theoccupant. The gas emitting device may include a pyrotechnic gasgenerator. Alternatively, the gas emitting device may include stored gasor stored gas in combination with a pyrotechnic gas generator.

According to another embodiment, a module for protecting the legs of anoccupant positioned in a seat of a vehicle from an explosive forceoriginating under a floor of the vehicle is provided. The moduleincludes a gas emitting device that is configured to emit gas in thedirection of the vehicle occupant so that the legs of the occupant areforced to move by the emitted gas impinging directly on the legs. Themodule may be positioned below the seat of the vehicle and includes agas directing device configured to direct the emitted gas toward to thelegs of the occupant. The gas emitting device may be configured to beactivated by a signal from a controller. The module includes a housingfor directing the emitted gas toward the legs of the occupant.

According to another disclosed embodiment, a system for protecting anoccupant positioned in a seat of a vehicle is provided that includes agas emitting device positioned adjacent to an occupant of a vehicle anda controller configured to control the activation of the gas emittingdevice. The system further includes a sensor configured to detect thevertical acceleration of the vehicle. The controller is configured toreceive a signal from the sensor and activate the gas emitting devicewhen the signal from the sensor is indicative of a condition where thevertical acceleration of the vehicle exceeds a predetermined threshold.When activated, the gas emitting device is configured to emit gas towardthe legs of the occupant so that the force of the emitted gas directlyforces the legs of the occupant to move.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only,and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will become apparent from the following description, appendedclaims, and the accompanying exemplary embodiments shown in thedrawings, which are briefly described below.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a seated occupant of a vehicle having anexemplary embodiment of an occupant protection system shown prior toactivation.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the interior of the vehicle of FIG. 1 with thesystem shown during the initial stage following activation.

FIG. 3 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a gas emittingdevice.

FIG. 4 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a gas emittingdevice.

FIG. 5 is a side view of an interior of a vehicle showing an alternativeembodiment of an occupant protection system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With general references to the Figures, disclosed herein is an occupantprotection system for use in vehicles, including armored vehicles,particularly military vehicles, that are configured to protect occupantsof the vehicle during external explosions of the vehicle, and inparticular external explosions taking place under the vehicle, such asan undercarriage mine explosion. The occupant protection devices includea gas generator configured to produce gas (e.g., supersonic gas), whichis then directed onto a portion of the occupant, such as the lower legs,to move the portion of the occupant to a relatively safer location.Moving the feet and legs of the occupant away from the floor of thevehicle greatly reduces the force applied to the body (including, forexample, the force applied to the spine of the occupant) when thevehicle is subject to a sharp spike in vertical acceleration due to theforce of the explosion under the vehicle. During an explosion under avehicle, significant loads may be transmitted to the occupant throughstructural components such as the vehicle floor and/or seat. Thus,removing the occupant (i.e., the feet and legs of the occupant) fromcontact with the floor of the vehicle may reduce the impulse loading onthe occupant.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an interior of a vehicle,such as a military vehicle, having a seat system 20 configured toprovide seating to an occupant 10 of the vehicle. The seat system 20includes a head rest 21, a seat back portion 22, and a seat bottom 23.The vehicle also includes an occupant protection system 100 configuredto protect the seated occupant 10 by moving a portion of the occupant,such as the limbs, from a relatively less safe location to a relativelymore safe location.

The occupant protection device 100 may be located anywhere in thevehicle, such as being located proximate to the portion of the occupantthat is being protected. The occupant protection system 100 includes agas emitting device or module 130, which may be mounted to the floor 30of the vehicle below the seat system 20. This location may beadvantageous for protecting the legs of the occupant, due in part to thebeing located proximate to the lower legs of the occupant, such thatupon activation, the emitted gas may move the legs in less time relativeto other systems. For example, the gas emitting device 130 may bemounted to the seat system 20.

The gas emitting device 130 may include a housing 131 and a gasgenerator 132 or inflator. The housing 131 may provide structuralsupport to the gas generator 132, such as by supporting the gasgenerator 132 during activation, where high stresses may be induced. Thegas emitting device 130 may include a diffuser or gas directing device133 for directing the emitted gas toward the occupant. According to oneembodiment the diffuser or gas directing device 133 may be integratedinto the housing 131 and/or the gas generator 132. The gas emittingdevice 130 may have any suitable configuration, which may be tailored tothe vehicle that the occupant protection system is being used within.

The gas emitting device 130 is configured to produce gas, such assupersonic gas, under a relatively high pressure in a relatively shortperiod of time. The gas generator 132 may be any suitable gas producingapparatus, such as, for example, a pyrotechnic device or a stored gasdevice. The gas (e.g., the high pressure gas) generated by the gasgenerator 132 is used to move the portion of the occupant, so thepressure of the gas may be tailored to move the limbs of relativelysmall occupants (e.g., 5^(th) percentile occupants, 50^(th) percentileoccupants) without causing injury while still moving the limbs ofrelatively large occupants (95^(th) percentile) with relative ease. Thegas may be gentler on human bones and joints than mechanical masseswould be.

As shown for example in FIGS. 3 and 4, the gas emitting device mayemploy any number of suitable types of gas generators. For example, asshown in FIG. 3 a cylindrically shaped gas generator may be used 132.The gas generator 132 may be a pyrotechnic type gas generator or astored gas type gas generator. When a signal is received from thecontroller by the gas generator at an appropriate electrical input 134,the gas is released in the direction of the occupant. A pyrotechnic typegas generator may include an igniter for receiving the signal from thecontroller and starting the gas generating process. In the case of astored gas inflator, the signal from the controller may cause theopening of a solenoid type valve or a rupture of a seal to release thestored gas. Gas may be directed by the shape of the gas directing deviceor diffuser, which may be integrated into the housing of the gasemitting device. The gas generator 132 may include a separate enclosurethat includes ports or openings designed to direct or diffuse the gas inthe desired direction. For example, when a cylindrically shaped gasgenerator is employed a series of ports or openings may be provided onthe side of the gas generator facing the occupant.

Further by way of example, as shown in the gas emitting device 230 ofFIG. 4, a disc shaped gas generator 232 may be used. The shape of thehousing 231 and gas directing device 232 is configured to match theshape of the gas generator 232. As explained above with regard to FIG.3, the gas generator 232 may be a pyrotechnic type gas generator or astored gas type gas generator. When a signal is received from thecontroller by the gas generator 232 at an appropriate electrical input234, the gas is released in the direction of the occupant. A pyrotechnictype gas generator may include an igniter for receiving the signal fromthe controller and starting the gas generating process. In the case of astored gas inflator, the signal from the controller may cause theopening of a solenoid type valve or a rupture of a burst seal to releasethe stored gas. The gas generator 232 may include a separate disc shapedenclosure that includes ports or openings designed to direct or diffusethe gas in the desired direction. For example, when a disc shaped gasgenerator 232 is employed, a series of ports or openings may be providedon the top or bottom of the gas generator facing the occupant.

The diffuser or gas directing device may have any suitableconfiguration, such as, for example, a tubular fabric arrangement. Thedevice may include other diffusers, and those described herein are notlimiting.

The occupant protection system may also include one or more than sensors110, such as, for example, to the monitor the location of the occupant.For example, the device may include a sensor that is configured todetect the location of the lower legs of the occupant, which maydetermine whether the device activates. If the legs are detected to bein a position deemed to be highly dangerous, the device may activate tomove the legs to another location. If the legs are detected to be in aposition deemed not to be highly dangerous, then the device may beconfigured to not activate.

Further by way of example, the occupant protection system may include asensor for detecting the vertical acceleration of the vehicle. Thesensor 100 provides a signal to the controller 120 that is indicative ofthe vertical acceleration of the vehicle. In turn, the controller 120 isconfigured to receive the signal from the sensor and activate the gasemitting device when the signal from the sensor is indicative of acondition where the vertical acceleration of the vehicle exceeds apredetermined threshold. The device may include other sensors, and thosedescribed herein are not limiting.

As described above, the occupant protection system may include acontroller 120, or other electronic device, configured to control theactivation of the gas emitting device 130. The controller 120 may alsocontrol and/or monitor the other electronic components, such as a sensor110, when utilized. The control module 120 may further be incommunication with other vehicle devices, such as those necessary todeploy other safety devices (e.g., shown in FIG. 5), for example.

FIG. 2 illustrates the occupant protection system in the initial stagefollowing activation. During the initial stage following activation ofthe occupant protection system, the gas generated by the gas generatoris directed from the gas emitting device 130 and is directed in adirection toward the portion (e.g., legs, arms) of the occupant. The gashas to bridge the gap disposed between the gas emitting device 130 andthe portion of the occupant. The supersonic speed of the gas operatesmuch faster to span the gap in a relatively shorter time, than the timefor deployment of an airbag, for example.

As shown in FIG. 2, the emitted gas acts upon the portion (e.g., lowerlegs) of the occupant to move the legs in forward direction and to asafer location. The emitted gas is directed onto a portion (e.g., legs,arms) of the occupant thereby applying a pressure onto the portion tomove the portion to a different (i.e., safer) location. As shown, thegas is configured to move the feet and lower legs of the occupant from aposition proximate to the floor to a position that is elevated from thefloor of the vehicle. This may advantageously protect the occupant whenthe vehicle experiences an external explosion underneath the vehicle, bymoving the lower legs of the occupant farther away from the impact zoneof the explosion (e.g., blast). Thus, the likelihood of injury of theoccupant may be reduced by moving the portions of the occupant, whichwould otherwise be proximate to the explosion and in contact with thefloor for of the vehicle, away from the explosion. Because the gasgenerated is travelling at such a relatively high speed (e.g.,supersonic), the time from activation of the device to movement of theportion (e.g., legs) of the occupant is much shorter relative to othermechanical methods of moving the occupant. Furthermore, the pressure ofthe gas may be tailored to be effective in moving the occupant yetrelatively gentle compared to other mechanical methods having a movingmass to move the occupant.

As shown in FIG. 5, the occupant protection system may incorporateadditional occupant protection devices. Such as, for example, airbags.FIG. 5 depicts a knee airbag 60 and a frontal airbag 50, which areconfigured to deploy from the instrument panel or dashboard 70 of thevehicle. The knee airbag 60 could function to absorb energy associatedwith the movement of the occupants limbs from the gas generated by thegas emitting device 130. However, additional airbags could be optionallyincluded. For example, a roof deployed airbag could be deployed abovethe head of the occupant. Side airbags could be employed to protect theoccupant from ejection or impacting the side of the vehicle. Inaddition, the system could include a seat belt system and/or the seatvertical height adjusting system disclosed in U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/830,443 (incorporated by reference herein).

It should be noted that although the embodiments in FIGS. 1-5 showoccupant protection systems configured to protect an occupant by causingmovement of the legs of an occupant. However, the same systems may beused to direct movement of other parts of the occupant's body (e.g.,arms or other portions). Accordingly, these systems may be configured indifferent locations in the vehicle, such as, for example, behind theseat system at a height that is adjacent to the arms. Thus, theembodiments shown in FIGS. 1-5 are not limiting.

As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially”,and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony withthe common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art towhich the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should beunderstood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure thatthese terms are intended to allow a description of certain featuresdescribed and claimed without restricting the scope of these features tothe precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms shouldbe interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequentialmodifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimedare considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in theappended claims.

It should be noted that the term “exemplary” as used herein to describevarious embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments arepossible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possibleembodiments (and such term is not intended to connote that suchembodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like as used herein mean thejoining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Suchjoining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removableor releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or thetwo members and any additional intermediate members being integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two membersor the two members and any additional intermediate members beingattached to one another.

References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,”“above,” “below,” etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation ofvarious elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientationof various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments,and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the presentdisclosure.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of theoccupant protection systems as shown in the various exemplaryembodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments havebeen described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the artwho review this disclosure will readily appreciate that manymodifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions,structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values ofparameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Forexample, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed ofmultiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed orotherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements orpositions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any processor method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternativeembodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissionsmay also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement ofthe various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope ofthe present invention.

Given the disclosure of the present invention, one versed in the artwould appreciate that there may be other embodiments and modificationswithin the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, allmodifications attainable by one versed in the art from the presentdisclosure within the scope and spirit of the present invention are tobe included as further embodiments of the present invention. The scopeof the present invention is to be defined as set forth in the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for protecting an occupant positioned ina seat of a vehicle comprising: a gas emitting device positionedadjacent to an occupant of a vehicle; a controller configured to controlthe activation of the gas emitting device; wherein, when activated, thegas emitting device is configured to emit gas toward a portion of theoccupant so that of the emitted gas impinges directly on and forces theportion of the occupant to move.
 2. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising a sensor for detecting a vertical acceleration of thevehicle.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the controller activates thegas emitting device when the vertical acceleration exceeds apredetermined threshold.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the gasemitting device is located under the seat.
 5. The system of claim 4,wherein the gas emitting device includes a gas directing device thatdirects the emitted gas toward the legs of the occupant.
 6. The systemof claim 1, wherein the gas emitting device includes a pyrotechnic gasgenerator.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the gas emitting deviceincludes stored gas.
 8. A module for protecting the legs of an occupantpositioned in a seat of a vehicle from an explosive force originatingunder a floor of the vehicle comprising; a gas emitting deviceconfigured to emit gas in the direction of the vehicle occupant so thatthe legs of the occupant are forced to move by the emitted gas impingingdirectly on the legs; wherein the module is positioned below the seat ofthe vehicle and includes a gas directing device configured to direct theemitted gas toward to the legs of the occupant.
 9. The module of claim8, wherein the gas emitting device includes a pyrotechnic gas generator.10. The module of claim 8, wherein the gas emitting device includesstored gas.
 11. The module of claim 8, wherein the gas emitting deviceis configured to be activated by a signal from a controller.
 12. Themodule of claim 8, further comprising a housing for directing theemitted gas toward the legs of the occupant.
 13. A system for protectingan occupant positioned in a seat of a vehicle comprising: a gas emittingdevice positioned adjacent to an occupant of a vehicle; a controllerconfigured to control the activation of the gas emitting device; asensor configured to detect the vertical acceleration of the vehicle;wherein the controller is configured to receive a signal from the sensorand activate the gas emitting device when the signal from the sensor isindicative of a condition where the vertical acceleration of the vehicleexceeds a predetermined threshold; wherein, when activated, the gasemitting device is configured to emit gas toward the legs of theoccupant so that the force of the emitted gas directly forces the legsof the occupant to move.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the gasemitting device is mounted under the seat of the vehicle.
 15. The systemof claim 14, wherein the gas emitting device is mounted to the floor ofthe vehicle.
 16. The system of claim 13, wherein the gas emitting deviceincludes a pyrotechnic gas generator.
 17. The system of claim 13,wherein the controller is configured to activate the gas generator bysending a signal to the gas generator.